HAYWARD -- A local health care organization has come to the rescue of Silva Pediatric Clinic, saving health care services for 3,000 low-income children in the Hayward area.

The Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center has agreed to acquire and operate the clinic, which should mean no disruption in services.

In even better news for the clinic's patients, by mid-January, Tiburcio Vasquez will bring back dental services that were discontinued a year ago.

Tiburcio Vasquez has a 40-year track record of delivering free and low-cost health care to men, women and children at clinics in Hayward and Union City.

"Pediatric care is a key part of the services we provide," said Tiburcio Vasquez Chief Executive Officer David Vliet. "This is a core part of what our mission is."

The Silva clinic had been in danger of closing after the board of the financially struggling St. Rose Hospital, which oversaw the clinic, decided to cease providing services there and to focus on running the hospital.

St. Rose is being acquired by Alecto Healthcare Services.

The change makes financial sense for both institutions, Vliet said.

Because Tiburcio Vasquez is a federally qualified health center, it receives enhanced Medi-Cal rates, which will make it easier to finance the services at the Silva Clinic, Vliet said.

A county health leader said he was "ecstatic" about the announcement.

"The Silva clinic will not only survive, it will thrive," said Alex Briscoe, director of the Alameda County Health Care Services Agency.